News from Ohio State University

Ohio State campus life scores high on new student survey by The Princeton Review

University scored highly on student life, return on investment and alumni network

By: Chris Booker

Published on August 01, 2017

The Ohio State University ranks as one of the nation’s best colleges for undergraduate education, according to a new report by the Princeton Review.

Ohio State is one of 382 colleges featured in the education services company’s 2018 college guide. The university scored high on the quality of life on campus as well as academics and admission standards. Ohio State was ranked 14th of the 382 schools for alumni activity and visibility on campus.

The Princeton Review surveys more than 137,000 students across the country, more than 350 per campus, to help produce the report. The survey asks students to rate their schools on several topics and report on their campus experiences. Topics range from their assessments of their professors as teachers to opinions about their school’s career services.

“Ohio State really wants to offer students the most it can, including providing some state-of-the-art facilities and unique opportunities on campus to engage in the community,” wrote one student. “The school is very committed to bringing Ohio State students into the world as educated individuals.”

The survey found Ohio State students enjoyed the university’s great library and career services, the food on campus, and the city of Columbus.

“Students here are open to different types of people—there is little or no discrimination. Diversity is valued here,” another student said in the survey.

Buckeye Nation pushes Ohio State to new fundraising records

FY17 saw the most donors, dollars and activity in university history

Buckeye Nation gave to The Ohio State University in record numbers in FY17, with more than 267,000 donors contributing over $532 million to education, research, athletics and innovation, including a cash total of $403 million.

Fundraising activity increased almost 17 percent from last year’s record $457 million – $396 million in cash – from 246,000 donors. More than 78,000 alumni contributed nearly $105 million, and current students and parents gave more than $5 million. The fiscal year ended June 30.

“Buckeye Nation continues to give back in new and greater ways, exemplifying a generosity of spirit unmatched anywhere in the world,” said President Michael V. Drake. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our broad alumni family and our friends as we lay the critical groundwork for an even more impactful future.”

Nearly $58 million is dedicated to student financial aid and support. Increased student support is part of Drake’s 2020 Vision to improve access, affordability and excellence in higher education.

University fundraising efforts in FY17 included the September conclusion of the record-breaking But for Ohio State Campaign, which raised more than $3 billion over seven years; and Ohio State’s first-ever Day of Giving, which raised nearly $3.5 million during a 36-hour period that began on February 14. Gifts over the year spanned a wide variety of causes and amounts – from a few dollars to cover a student’s dinner to a pair of $3 million endowed art professorships from the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation that are transformative for the departments of art and art history and for the university’s overall commitment to bolstering the arts and humanities.

“The generosity and dedication of Buckeye Nation is unparalleled, and it is reflected in the quality of the education, research and experiences at Ohio State,” said Michael C. Eicher, senior vice president for advancement and president of The Ohio State University Foundation. “We are grateful for the countless opportunities that donors provide to our students, faculty, staff and community.”

Heading into FY18, the university will continue to focus on long-term planning that imagines transformational research and learning environments over the next decade and beyond.